What can a producer do to manage phosphorus loss via runoff or erosion?

Phosphorus loss via surface runoff and erosion may be reduced by conservation tillage and crop residue management, buffer strips, riparian zones, terracing, contour tillage, cover crops and impoundments (settling basins). Basically, these practices reduce rainfall impact on the soil surface, reduce surface runoff volume and velocity, and increase soil resistance to erosion. None of these measures should be relied on as the sole or primary practice to reduce P losses in agricultural runoff.

Most of these practices are generally more efficient at reducing runoff of sediment P than dissolved P. Several researchers have indicated little decrease in lake productivity with reduced P inputs following implementation of conservation measures. Many times the impact of remedial measures for improving water quality will be slow, as P stored in lake and stream sediments can provide a long-term source of P to overlying waters even after inputs from agriculture are reduced. Therefore, strategies to reduce P inputs to water resources in an acceptable timeframe must consider the P stored in the aquatic system.